> At a Glance
> – Bangladesh mourns former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who passed away at 80.
> – The interim government declared a three-day mourning period and a national holiday for her funeral prayers.
> – Condolences from leaders across the political spectrum, including Muhammad Yunus, Narendra Modi, and Sajeeb Wazed.
> – Why it matters: Zia’s death marks the end of a decades-long rivalry that shaped Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Bangladesh mourns the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who passed away at 80. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party released a statement announcing her death, and the interim government declared a three-day mourning period and a national holiday for her funeral prayers. The event marks the end of a long-standing political rivalry that shaped the nation’s politics.
Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia died on Tuesday, the BNP said. She was the country’s first elected female prime minister and a central figure in Bangladesh’s struggle for democracy.
Condolences poured in from leaders across the political spectrum, including the interim head Muhammad Yunus, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and opposition figure Sajeeb Wazed.
- BNP: announced Zia’s death and her contributions to democracy.
- Interim government: declared a three-day mourning period and a national holiday.
- Funeral prayers: scheduled before the national Parliament building in Dhaka.
Muhammad Yunus said:
> “Her role in the struggle to establish democracy, a multi-party political culture, and the rights of the people in Bangladesh will be remembered forever.”
Narendra Modi stated:
> “As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, her important contributions toward the development of Bangladesh, as well as India-Bangladesh relations, will always be remembered.”
Sajeeb Wazed said:
> “Zia’s demise will leave a deep impact on the country’s democratic transition.”
Sheikh Hasina said:
> “Zia’s death was an irreparable loss for politics in Bangladesh and recalled her contributions in establishing the nation’s democracy.”
Political Legacy and Controversies
Zia’s political career spanned over three decades, during which she navigated a turbulent landscape marked by coups, assassinations, and power struggles. She first won the 1991 election, defeating Sheikh Hasina, and later returned to power in 2001 with an alliance that included the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party. Her tenure was also marred by corruption accusations, a 17-year prison sentence, and allegations that her son Tarique Rahman operated a parallel government.
| Event | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| First Term | 1991 | Defeated Sheikh Hasina |
| Return to Power | 2001 | Alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami |
| Grenade Attacks | 2004 | Hasina blamed Zia’s government |
| Election Boycott | 2014 | One-sided victory for Hasina |
| Election Boycott | 2024 | Hasina returned to power |
Throughout her career, Zia’s actions were often seen through the lens of her rivalry with Hasina, shaping the political narrative of Bangladesh for generations. The interim government’s decision to grant her medical treatment abroad after her release in 2020 reflected a shift in the country’s political dynamics following Hasina’s ouster in 2024. Zia remained the BNP chair until her death, with her elder son Tarique Rahman acting as the party’s leader since 2018.
Key Takeaways
- Khaleda Zia died at 80, ending a 30-year political saga.
- The interim government declared a three-day mourning period and a national holiday for her funeral prayers.
- Her legacy is defined by her role in Bangladesh’s democratic transition, but also by corruption scandals and a fierce rivalry with Sheikh Hasina.
Zia’s death marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political history, closing a chapter that began with her rise to power in 1991. The nation now faces the challenge of reconciling her contributions with the controversies that shadowed her tenure.
